The results of a new study have challenged the assumption that women take fewer risks than men, and that adolescents do not consider consequences when making decisions.

The new findings depict that the reality of who takes risks and when goes beyond stereotypes. It reveals how adolescents can be as cool-headed as adults, and in some realms, women take more risks than men.

The study, conducted by Bernd Figner, research scientist at the Centre for Decision Sciences at Columbia Business School, and Postdoctoral Research Scientist at the University of Amsterdam; and Professor Elke Weber, Co-Director, Centre for Decision Sciences and the Jerome A. Chazen Professor of International Business, Management at Columbia Business School, found that men are willing to take more risks in finances.

On the other hand, women take more social risks – examples include starting a new career in their mid-thirties or addressing an unpopular issue in a meeting at work.